Russell Crowe is the Villain in "Star Trek"

As with any big blockbuster, rumors spread quickly no matter how bizarre they are, and it is no different with the upcoming "Star Trek" film.

The Hollywood Reporter posted a quote stating "casting is under way in New York and London for Kirk, Bones, Uhura, Sulu, Scotty, the film's villain and the Federation captain. Abrams, who will helm the untitled film, is expected to sign bigger-name actors for the latter two parts."

Now IGN reports that the big name that Paramount is looking for to play the villain role is Oscar winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator). The site adds that whether the villain will be human, Klingon, Romulan, Vulcan or some other alien species remains uncertain.

This news comes after the rumor that director JJ Abrams is trying to get Tom Cruise to make a cameo in the film as Captain Christopher Pike, James T. Kirk's predecessor as captain of the Enterprise and Spock's first commanding officer. In addition, Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog) was cast as Pavel Chekov, the Enterprise's Russian navigator.

Abrams is getting ready to start filming on November 5th with the goal of releasing the movie on Christmas Day 2008.